Fire Rated Roofing Materials

Before choosing a material you should know the fire ratings that are given to each material.

Fire rated roofing materials.

Understanding roof fire ratings class a roofing. A professional roofing contractor can help you decide upon the best fire resistant material for your roof. And you shouldn t overlook the roof as essential in fire protection since it s extremely vulnerable to sparks blown from wildland fire. Using quality fire resistant roofing materials gives the entire structure a better chance of surviving a fire.

However if the wood is treated with fire retardant chemicals it can often meet class b or even class a requirements. Common underlying materials include a type 72 roll roofing material also known as 72 pound felt or 72 pound capsheet material and a panelized gypsum product. A reliable roofer will be able to find the right option to match your style and budget. Class c fire resistant roofing material.

Ul 790 is a quality assurance service listing. Concrete is often listed as among the best fire resistant roofing materials too. Roofing fire ratings 101. Class a roofing is the preferred choice for any home but this type of roofing is particularly important if you live in an area that is prone to wildfires to achieve a class a rating the roof must be effective against severe fire exposure.

Obviously since wildfires and the fire season has become increasingly worse it is important to note the roofing materials that are the lowest rated. An example of a roof assembly is given in figure 1. An exterior fire retardant treated shake roof has a stand alone class b rating. Wood shake plywood or particle board roof are the most common roofing types listed as class c.

The resistance to fire of roofing materials is rated based on a series of tests that is defined by a fire rating. Fire resistant roofing materials fire ratings. Stucco is a plaster that has been used for centuries for both artistic and structural purposes. Here are a few materials on the market that are effective in withstanding fire.

But by including a particular underlying material it can meet the requirements for a class a roof. Roof covering packaging that encloses shingles or other roofing that have a fire rating will display the level of fire or wind resistance rating of the materials. Their knowledge and experience can get you the best option for your needs and budget. Some roofing materials such as untreated wood are unrated as they cannot meet even the minimum ratings for fire safety.

Fire resistant can refer to a material or an assembly e g all the component s in a wall siding insulation and sheathing products. Your roof might also come into contact with open flame if a fire moves into your area. Combustible and noncombustible refer to the performance of a material e g wood stucco steel.